D'Alembert and the Wave Equation

摘要

The solution of the vibrating string problem is one of d'Alembert's fundamental contributions to mathematics and physics. This problem, which attracted the attention of many mathematicians, was solved in his general formulation of the wave equation. Even nowadays, with so much technological progress in computer sciences and experimental methods there are important applications of wave equation: for example, guyed cables for structural purposes, vibrations in transmission lines and risers of offshore structures, guyed bridges, etc. It remains a very useful tool for these engineering problems.